BT Coronary Angiography

Today, heart disease is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Therefore, it is important to maintain heart health and diagnose diseases early. At this point, the CT coronary angiography method comes into play. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail what is CT coronary angiography, how it is performed, what are its advantages and risks, how the results obtained in angiography are evaluated. If you want to protect your heart health and stay one step ahead, you are invited to read the rest of the article.

What is CT Coronary Angiography?

What is CT Coronary Angiography? CT Coronary Angiography is a medical imaging method performed using the computed tomography (CT) method. It is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate blockages and constrictions in the heart vessels. This method allows detailed imaging of the heart vessels by contrast agent injection.

CT Coronary Angiography procedure is performed by injecting a contrast agent into the patient's body. This contrast agent makes the blood in the veins visible with X-rays. Then, a detailed image of the heart is obtained using a computed tomography device. These images allow the examination of cardiac tissue, as well as cardiac vessels.

CT Coronary Angiography is a less invasive method than traditional coronary angiography. While the traditional angiography method requires direct access to the heart vessels using a catheter, CT Coronary Angiography offers a more practical solution in this respect. In addition, CT Coronary Angiography allows exposure to fewer radiation doses and can be completed in a shorter time.

How is CT Coronary Angiography Performed?

CT Coronary Angiography is a medical imaging method performed to image the heart vessels. Thanks to this method, blockages, constrictions or other abnormalities in the heart vessels can be diagnosed. CT includes Coronary angiography, computed tomography (CT) and contrast agent use. During this procedure, a contrast agent is injected into the veins through a catheter, and then images of the heart vessels are taken using a CT scanner.

CT Coronary Angiography is usually performed in a hospital or imaging center. Before the procedure, the patient is prepared comfortably and an examination of his medical history is performed to determine possible allergic reactions to the contrast agent. During the procedure, the patient lies on his back on a table and certain areas of his body are restricted. Then, the catheter is advanced along the vascular path and the contrast agent is injected into the veins. The CT scanner, it is important to stay still during filming, so the patient should follow the scanner's instructions.

CT Coronary Angiography provides detailed imaging of the heart vessels. This method has many advantages. Firstly, it does not require surgical intervention, as it is a non-invasive procedure. In addition, since the recovery process after the procedure is short, patients can quickly return to their normal daily activities. CT Coronary Angiography can also take images quickly, so that doctors can quickly make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.

CT Coronary Angiography also has some risks. The most common risk is an allergic reaction to the contrast agent or non-allergic side effects. The use of contrast media can cause kidney damage in rare cases. Also, the CT scanner uses radiation, so it should be used carefully in pregnant women and children to avoid unwanted side effects. Although there are usually minimal risks in CT Coronary Angiography, every potential risk should be taken into account and the patient should be informed.

What are the Advantages of CT Coronary Angiography?

What is CT Coronary Angiography?

How is CT Coronary Angiography Performed?

CT coronary angiography procedure is usually performed in a CT scanner where the patient is in a supine position. Firstly, a contrast agent is injected into the patient through a vein, and then the CT scanner moves, taking images from various angles. These images are then converted into a three-dimensional model with the help of a computer and evaluated by doctors. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

CT coronary angiography provides many advantages over traditional cardiac catheterization. Firstly, since this method is non-invasive, it allows patients to experience less pain and discomfort. It also requires patients to stay in the hospital for a shorter period of time, and the recovery process is faster. CT coronary angiography also gives results in a shorter time and can detect vascular blockages more accurately. The images obtained by this method help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis and guide treatment planning.

What are the Risks of CT Coronary Angiography?

CT coronary angiography is a medical imaging method used to detect stenosis and blockages in the coronary arteries. This method allows to obtain detailed images of the heart vessels using X-rays and an injection of contrast agent. However, as with any medical procedure, CT coronary angiography also has some risks.

The primary risk is allergic reactions to the contrast agent. The contrast agent may cause allergic reactions in some patients, such as skin rash, itching, or shortness of breath. In rare cases, these reactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, the patient should inform the allergy history to his doctor in advance.

A secondary risk is radiation exposure. CT coronary angiography uses X-rays, which means radiation exposure. The amount of the radiation dose, the way the procedure is performed, may depend on the patient's age and privacy zone. Prolonged and repeated exposures can cause serious health problems. Therefore, doctors evaluate the individual condition of each patient, taking into account the potential benefits and risks.

A third risk is kidney damage associated with contrast media. Contrast media may temporarily impair kidney function in some patients. This effect is usually mild and resolves on its own. However, a permanent decrease in kidney function may occur in some patients. Therefore, it is important for patients who already have kidney problems to consult their doctor and, if necessary, choose an alternative imaging method.

What Can Be Done to Prevent and Manage Risks?

In order to prevent potential allergic reactions, the patient should tell the allergy history to his doctor in detail.

To reduce the radiation dose, doctors should choose the most appropriate imaging protocol for the patient.

To prevent kidney damage, the patient should consume plenty of fluids and follow the instructions recommended by the doctor.

The patient, if there are any signs of discomfort or complications, he should inform his doctor immediately.

Risks Precautions

Allergic reactions Sharing the allergy history with the doctor, ensuring a detailed evaluation

Radiation exposure Choosing the most appropriate imaging protocol

Kidney damage Consuming plenty of fluids, following the doctor's instructions

Evaluation of Results in CT Coronary Angiography

CT coronary angiography is an imaging technique that allows detailed imaging of the heart vessels. This method is used to detect constrictions or blockages that may occur in the heart vessels. CT coronary angiography results provide important information about the patient's heart health and play a major role in the treatment process.

When evaluating the results of CT coronary angiography, a number of factors should be taken into account. First, the image quality of the veins should be examined. Obtaining a high-quality image allows the doctor to accurately assess the location and severity of blockages. In addition, it should also be observed which vessels the blockages are in, how serious they are, and how they affect blood flow.

CT coronary angiography results also help to determine the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a condition that is associated with a heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Based on the results of CT coronary angiography, doctors can determine the patients' CAD risk and plan appropriate treatment methods. Therefore, it is of great importance that the results are evaluated correctly.

Some factors that should be taken into account when evaluating the results of CT coronary angiography are as follows:

- Vascular image quality

- Location, severity of blockages and their effect on blood flow

- Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk

Scoring systems used to evaluate CT coronary angiography results

Scoring System Description

Gensini Scoring System is used to evaluate CAD severity

The Sydnyham Scoring System is used to determine the location and severity of blockages

The Leaman Scoring System To detect blockages that affect blood flow used

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CT Coronary Angiography?

CT coronary angiography is a medical imaging method used to image the coronary arteries of the heart. In this method, detailed images are obtained with X-rays using a computed tomography (CT) device.

How is CT Coronary Angiography Performed?

During the CT coronary angiography procedure, a contrast agent is injected into the patient's body, and then shots are taken on the CT device. With these shots, the vessels of the heart and blood flow are examined in detail.

What are the Advantages of CT Coronary Angiography?

The advantages of CT coronary angiography are as follows:

It is a non-invasive method, that is, it does not require any intervention into the vein.

The process is fast and results can be obtained immediately.

Detailed images can be obtained, problems such as narrowing or blockage of the heart vessels can be easily detected.

Uses less radiation, it is a safer option compared to other invasive angiography methods.

What are the Risks of CT Coronary Angiography?

CT coronary angiography is usually a safe method, but some risks may include:

Radiation exposure: Minimal radiation exposure may occur due to x-rays used during the procedure.

Contrast agent reaction: Allergic reactions may occur in rare cases in those who are allergic to contrast agents.

Kidney damage: There is a risk that the contrast agent may damage the kidneys in some patients.

Evaluation of CT Coronary Angiography Results

CT coronary angiography results are evaluated by a specialist radiologist. During the evaluation, constrictions, blockages or other possible problems in the heart vessels are identified. These results are shared with your doctor and used in the planning of the necessary treatment.